Best art museums in Vienna: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Vienna paints a captivating tableau where timeless masterpieces and contemporary expressions share the stage. A bustling art scene comprising the best art museums in Vienna tells tales of transformative artistic movements and the trailblazing visionaries who led them. Venture down cobbled streets to the Museum of Art History and marvel at the Saliera by Benvenuto Cellini, or soak up the beauty of Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Fritza Riedler at the Belvedere Museum. The Leopold and Albertina Museums are similarly beacons of artistic exploration.

Around every corner, art in Vienna, found in its monumental landmarks and bustling art galleries, commands admiration. Away from the hushed museum corridors, delve into the city's vibrant culinary scene on food and gourmet tours. As the weather warms up, indulge in some delightful summer activities in Vienna, from open-air concerts to leisurely strolls along the iconic Danube River.

Best art museums in Vienna

1. Experience timeless mastery at the Museum of Art History

Housing a diverse collection spanning over two millennia, the Museum of Art History is a testament to humankind's artistic evolution. Admire the works of world-renowned artists such as Klimt and Schiele and countless other historic art pieces as you journey through the epochs of art history.

Highlights:

The Museum of Art History and Leopold Museum combination ticket offers the unique experience of admiring the Saliera by Benvenuto Cellini, a masterpiece of the Italian Mannerist period.

Address and opening hours:

Maria-Theresien-Platz, 1010 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

2. Dive into Vienna's artistic legacy at the Leopold Museum

Home to some of the most impressive art treasures from around 1900, the Leopold Museum in Vienna is an iconic testament to the city's rich artistic legacy. From Gustav Klimt's masterpieces to a host of other historic treasures, the museum is a must-visit for every art enthusiast.

Highlights:

With a Leopold Museum entry ticket, the opportunity to admire the Portrait of Wally by Egon Schiele, an intriguing figure in Viennese modernism, awaits.

Address and opening hours:

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna. Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. Uncover diverse brilliance at the Albertina Museum

Presenting a broad spectrum of artistic genius, the Albertina Museum ranks amongst the best art museums in Vienna. From Monet to Degas, Goncharova, Chagall, Kokoschka, and Picasso, the museum showcases the fascinating trajectory of art history.

Highlights:

With Albertina Exhibitions entrance tickets, you can prepare to be awestruck by Albrecht Durer's the Young Hare, a perfect example of watercolor brilliance and detailed natural portrayal.

Address and opening hours:

Albertinaplatz 1, 1010 Vienna. Open Wednesday-Monday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

4. Revel in historic elegance at the Belvedere Museum

The Belvedere Museum in Vienna, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Belvedere Palace, is home to many masterpieces, including Gustav Klimt's iconic works. Here, artistry meets history, creating an immersive, enchanting experience.

Highlights:

With the Vienna: Private tour of Klimt's Art, witness Klimt's Portrait of Fritza Riedler, a striking depiction of elegance and sensuality typical of Klimt's body of work.

Address and opening hours:

Prinz-Eugen-Strasse 27, 1030 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best design museums in Vienna

5. Discover a fusion of functionality and aesthetics at the Museum of Applied Arts

The Museum of Applied Arts, with its display of artistry beyond the canvas, exemplifies the intersection of aesthetics and functionality. From beautiful friezes to innovative furniture designs, the museum demonstrates the limitless potential of applied arts.

Highlights:

Get inspired by the Mascarade à la Grecque (Masquerade in the Greek Style) by Ennemond Alexandre Petitot, a remarkable graphic artwork that combines various classical Greek elements.

Address and opening hours:

Stubenring 5, 1010 Vienna. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM daily, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Tuesday.

6. Chart the journey of architectural evolution at the Austrian Architecture Museum

Known as a top-tier destination among the art galleries in Vienna for architecture enthusiasts, the Austrian Architecture Museum invites you to take a fascinating deep-dive into the history of built design. Experience architecture through the lens of societal change and explore how this intricate relationship has impacted the realms of art in Vienna.

Highlights:

Discover nine distinct conceptual areas illustrating how political and social ideas come to life through architectural expression.

Address and opening hours:

Museumsplatz 1, 1070 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

7. Embrace the unusual at Kunst Haus Wien

Kunst Haus Wien is an oasis of art in Vienna's heart. Designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this unique blend of art, architecture, and nature offers an immersive experience. The museum houses the world's only permanent presentation of Hundertwasser's works, along with temporary exhibitions featuring other prominent artists.

Highlights:

With a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket, you can enjoy the quirky café at Kunst Haus Vienna, where art and nature converge to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Address and opening hours:

Untere Weissgerberstrasse 13, 1030 Vienna. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Alternative museums in Vienna

8. Explore ethical complexity at the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art

Located in the magnificent baroque Palais Schonborn in the heart of Vienna, the Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art offers a riveting exploration of cultural history. Delve into an array of traditional objects, historical photographs, and impressive textile collections echoing Vienna's artistic heritage.

Highlights:

Engage with an intriguing moral conundrum in the museum's research into Nazi-looted artifacts and their eventual restitution to their legal owners.

Address and opening hours:

Laudongasse 15-19, 1080 Vienna. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Thursday.

9. Witness extravagant history at the Imperial Treasury

Boasting some of the most stunning pieces from the Habsburgs' imperial collections, the Imperial Treasury in Vienna stands among the most magnificent art galleries in Vienna. From ornate artifacts to priceless jewels, this treasure trove offers a journey through the epochs of royal opulence.

Highlights:

Get a Kunsthistorisches Museum and Imperial Treasury combo entrance ticket and marvel at the Emerald Unguentarium, a staggering 2,860-ct emerald vase carved in 1641.

Address and opening hours:

Schweizerhof, Hofburg, 1010 Vienna. Open Wednesday-Monday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM.

10. Enter a realm of timeless aesthetics at Geymullerschlossel

Part of an exclusive circle of art galleries in Vienna, the Geymullerschlossel Museum houses an exquisite collection of Biedermeier furniture alongside a range of historical clocks from Vienna. The collections are beautifully mingled with a rotation of contemporary art exhibitions, creating a distinctive blend highlighting the interaction of different periods in art.

Highlights:

With the Geymullerschlossel Entry Ticket, enjoy access to permanent and temporary exhibitions, including Franz Sobek's collection of old Viennese clocks and contemporary art pieces from renowned artists.

Address and opening hours:

Potzleinsdorfer Str. 102, 1180 Vienna. Open Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Vienna?

Some art museums in Vienna offer free entry on specific days. For instance, the Albertina Museum offers free admission on certain days. It's best to check the individual museum's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Vienna?

Vienna is home to several unique and lesser-known art museums, such as the Museum of Art Fakes, which showcases counterfeits of famous artworks, and the Wien Museum MUSA, which exhibits contemporary Viennese art.

Which art museums in Vienna have works by famous artists?

Many art museums in Vienna house works by renowned artists. The Albertina Museum hosts pieces by Albrecht Durer, and the Belvedere Museum boasts a collection of Gustav Klimt's work. The Leopold Museum features Egon Schiele's art.

Are the art museums in Vienna wheelchair accessible?

Many art museums in Vienna, including the Belvedere Museum, the Leopold Museum, and the Museum of Art History, are wheelchair accessible. They have ramps, lifts, and wheelchair-friendly facilities.

Are there any art museums in Vienna that are suitable for children and families?

Several art museums in Vienna cater to children and families, such as the ZOOM Children's Museum, which offers interactive exhibits designed for young minds, and the Belvedere Museum, which provides family-friendly tours and workshops.